“I object!”
Bai Zhiyuan’s voice was not loud, but in such a harmonious atmosphere, it was exceptionally jarring.
*Swish!*
The room instantly fell silent.
Everyone put down their handicrafts and turned their heads to look at her in unison.
The head of the publicity department, Gao Yuxin, who was ‘attentively’ listening to the lecture beside her, didn’t react at first. After processing the meaning, Gao Yuxin’s face turned pale.
Her upper body was held straight, but her hand under the table kept tugging at Bai Zhiyuan’s clothes, signaling her not to say anything too extreme in this setting.
On the other side, Deputy General Manager Zheng Ting, though silent, also glanced deeply at Bai Zhiyuan, her thoughts unknown.
All of this was seen by Lu Li. Logically, the best student should be the obedient goose, because Goose Factory, whether in its past or present life, had always been known for its abnormally strict game censorship.
Even if players cursed it to the heavens, it would still harmonize any content that did not comply with censorship requirements, even adding a patch to the chests of two-dimensional sisters.
Lu Li’s gaze met Bai Zhiyuan’s, and he found her eyes firmer than ever.
“Hmm?”
Cao Yan’s expression was somewhat displeased. Having grown accustomed to ‘pleasant’ words, he hadn’t reacted for a while to such a jarring statement. “What did you say?”
“I object!”
Bai Zhiyuan’s clear and cold voice repeated, “Since it’s a proposal, it means there are still points to be discussed. These were the words of Minister Cao.”
“Yes, I said that.”
Glancing at the identification card in front of Bai Zhiyuan, Cao Yan said faintly, “Bai Zhiyuan from Goose Factory, is it? What are your differing opinions?”
“I’ll show everyone some data first.”
She took out the laptop she carried in her briefcase and projected the content onto the projector screen in the conference room. A string of data appeared on the wall.
“This is the national statistical data on crime rates caused by games in the ten years since the new regulations for domestic games were issued. It’s less than 0.5%.”
*Crackle!*
Her fingertips danced on the keyboard, and Bai Zhiyuan quickly switched to another set of data. “This is the crime rate data caused by domestic VR games since their launch and after their ‘wild growth’ over the past year. It’s less than 0.01%. According to my statistics, in the past year, there have been 13,288 VR games launched on game platforms, covering horror, supernatural, thrilling, feudal, bloody, Lovecraftian… and no less than fifty different genres.”
“So, I’d like to ask, what is the basis for Proposal 2? Is there sufficient data model to support it? Have you considered the impact of this proposal on the entire VR game ecosystem?”
Speaking with facts, presenting data, without exaggeration, falsification, empty talk, or formalism.
Clearly,
Before coming, Bai Zhiyuan had prepared thoroughly, collecting all sorts of data in advance for any unforeseen circumstances.
In other words, she had anticipated the research group’s anticipation.
“This… this, Proposal 2 definitely has factual basis. According to a report from a student’s parents, their child’s academic performance plummeted because he was frightened by bloody scenes in VR games…”
Cao Yan glanced nervously at the deputy director beside him, who was closing his eyes in meditation and showed no sign of movement.
“And also the news report from a while ago, a man spent all his savings to recharge favorability for his virtual girlfriend because he was too immersed in virtual romance with an NPC in a VR game.”
“That’s pay-to-win, it has nothing to do with the VR game content,” Lu Li said indifferently. “Besides, as far as I know, VR equipment has a health check system when players enter the game, which includes bone age. Those with bone age below 18, or unqualified blood pressure and physical fitness… those with unqualified health indicators cannot normally enter VR games.”
“May I ask, how old is the student’s parents’ child?” Lu Li stared sharply, making Cao Yan’s hair stand on end.
Who is this kid?
Why is he butting in, and so quickly and precisely?
Cao Yan’s mind raced. The previous case was just a casual fabrication to increase credibility, but it was ruthlessly exposed like this.
Seeing the leader’s displeased expression, everyone looked at Lu Li with schadenfreude.
What a hothead!
Although the local research group did not belong to public officials, similar to semi-official organizations like the Writers Association or Film Association, they still had a certain authority. (Self-preservation)
Moreover, this research meeting was initiated by the government, so its significance was much greater than in the past.
Furthermore, there were actual public officials present. Disregarding them was tantamount to slapping the government in the face.
“This… Lu Li, isn’t it? You are the researcher dispatched by that game manufacturer. Why aren’t you wearing formal attire? Who is your leader?”
Beside him, an old cadre-dressed man reprimanded Lu Li, skillfully diverting the topic.
Lu Li glanced calmly at this fat-headed, big-eared fellow whose belly protruded more than a pregnant woman’s, and said blankly, “What, can’t I attend a meeting in casual wear? Who made that rule?”
“You?”
“Or you?”
He swept his gaze around, and no one answered. He became bolder, “Since no one has made a rule, why can’t I wear it? Are you judging people by their appearance? With your oily appearance, I strongly suspect you have questionable conduct. Shall I call your leader over?”
“You! You…!”
Pointing at Lu Li, the fat-headed, big-eared fellow’s face turned red, and he gasped for breath, looking as if he was about to drop dead.
*Hiss hiss~~*
Bai Zhiyuan’s expression remained unchanged, but her heart was about to crack with laughter.
Still talking, when it came to being scheming and sharp-tongued, Lu Li, as a game designer, was indeed skilled.
She had long seen through the true colors of this research group, but when refuting, she could only rely on well-reasoned data, not Lu Li’s blatant exposure of their flaws.
But she greatly admired this approach. If she hadn’t been representing Goose Factory, she would have already turned her back and left this so-called research meeting.
“Take care of your health. If you die of anger, it won’t be on my head.” Lu Li felt a surge of pent-up frustration and couldn’t help but vent.
A bunch of guys bluffing and pretending to be important, but utterly useless, who only came to hinder the industry’s development.
Before coming,
They said it was initiated by the government, with high specifications and important figures attending, and it could likely determine the development path of the VR game industry for the next few years, even decades.
Lu Li, wanting to contribute to the industry, enthusiastically participated in this research meeting. Upon arrival, he realized that a group of self-taught researchers had invited a public official to preside and formulate a bunch of rules from a superior’s perspective. They called it standardizing the industry, but in reality, they were secretly seeking personal gain.
“Are you going to suggest next that to apply for a company qualification certificate, one needs to register with the local online game association?”
Lu Li completely lost his pleasant demeanor. “Company qualification certificate, requires the seal of the online game association?”
He spread his hands, looking disdainful. “Just say you want money. Don’t beat around the bush. Gathering people from all over the country is troublesome. Everyone is busy and doesn’t have time to listen to your nonsense.”
“Young man, you’re going too far!”
“Little fellow talks too arrogantly, clearly hasn’t experienced the hardships of life.”
“Slander! I’ll sue you for slander!”
……